AntiHook Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server

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Quick Specs

Publisher's Description

AntiHook is a real-time Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) system that dynamically protects users from malicious software such as unseen viruses, Spyware, Rootkits, Keyloggers, Code Injection, and Trojans. AntiHook detects and prevents attacks in real-time. AntiHook can operate as a standalone module, relying on its local database only and not requiring an update of data definitions.

AntiHook ensures the integrity of the operating system by blocking and reporting any suspicious activity, including the following: launching of malicious applications and processes, termination of critical security applications (e.g. Firewall, Anti-Virus), loading of suspicious DLLs (e.g. BHOs, ActiveX), malware modifying the memory space of an external application and executing malicious code, kernel rootkits that maliciously alter the Windows operating system, registration of programs for loading on PC start-up or when the user logs on to the system, malicious system-wide Windows hooks. Designed for home users only.

I don't know what the problem is, but I had to reboot 3 times before I was able to use my computer normally after installing this product. For the moment, things seem OK, and I will write this and try another reboot. It had some kind of conflict with Internet Explorer 7. I got the strangest message from IE7 telling me that Microsoft has decided to end a process or some sort. The message came from IE7, not Antihook, but was caused after installation and reboot. The other two reboots seem to hang up after AVAST anti-virus loaded, and before my Zonealarm application began. This third time seem OK. We'll see after one more reboot, but any problems, and this is coming off.

But I still think there is room for improvements - adding network IPS capability, monitoring more windows areas, buffer overflows perhaps?

It's an Australian, Sydney-based company, not based in India or some other unfamiliar country... Go Aussie!

There are also other benefits such as that it uses a Kernal level driver etc already mentioned on this page, however I have just a slight degree of concern about the stability of my system with this running... if it crashes my computer may be impossible to boot...

So 4 STARS - top marks for functionality and high level of security but minus one for usability.

Cons

GUI needs more work - the rules editor is hard to use and I'm struggling to configure this program - there literally is just an icon in the system tray...thats it! E.G. How can I set up a program for Antihook to protect? I want more eye candy... I guess its aimed at those who want solid security without the bloated graphics. But still it needs a better GUI.

In learning mode, no popups, easy going.

In normal mode, popups galore! Is it ever going to be possible for this thing to work silently with minimum false positives? I am not so sure...

To answer this question we'll have to wait for Version 3.0 which is still going to be free contray to one of the other reviews.

1)Fully functional freeware... (unlike ProcessGuard) 2)Light footprint... (unlike PrevX) 3)Easy install... (unlike SystemSafetyMonitor) Install in learning-mode then install rule-editor from options menu and you're good to go. Allows you to kill processes as well as monitor apps. being shut down without your permission. After a day or two of learning-mode, put in normal-mode to block unauthorized actions. Blocked apps. can be enabled if you change your mind and find you need them. DURING LEARNING-MODE, RUN ALL PROGRAMS, GAMES, APPLICATIONS, BROWSERS, ETC. AntiHook will notify of changed apps. in real-time... (unlike HijackThis) Version 2.6 build 14 fixed most compatability issues and is listed as safe by Softpedia. There is a Pro version (3.0) for the tech-geeks that need more!!! Comes with it's own uninstaller, so give it a try!!!

Cons

This is listed as an antivirus, but it is a HIPS proggy that compliments your AV-scanner(not replace it) and FW, even XP firewall, as it monitors apps. in the network and the ones needing internet access.

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Thank You, !

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